Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 2:37 pm on 15 November 2022.
Trefnydd, greater horseshoe bats are amongst the rarest in the whole of the UK, and they're protected under legislation, including the Environment Act 2021. The Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015 also places a duty on the Welsh Government to maintain and enhance a biodiverse natural environment. I know that the Welsh Government can't comment on planning issues, but the reason I'm asking for a statement on this is that, in my region, there is an application to build flats on Ruperra Castle estate, where greater horseshoe bats nest. This is a cause of great concern locally. I've already raised the issue with the Minister; I was grateful for her reply. She's explained that a decision on whether to call in the application will be made in due course. So, what I wanted to receive, please, was a statement of general assurance that the Welsh Government is absolutely committed to its conservational responsibilities, to give organisations like the Valleys Bat Group and the Ruperra Conservation Trust the confidence that their concerns for the welfare of this extremely rare species are shared across the Government. Diolch.